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Former goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, now of Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig, has already spoken of a potential return to Anfield.

“It would be a dream to play Liverpool,” he told Kicker. I still have a lot of friends there.”

Indeed, Liverpool have a lot of friends awaiting them in Europe’s premier competition if they were to qualify next season.

Here’s a run-down of who could await them in 2017/18.

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Peter Gulacsi (RB Leipzig)

The Hungarian never played a competitive game for Liverpool, with his only playing time on Merseyside coming with Tranmere Rovers. His career has been on an upward trajectory since departing England and now keeps goal for Bundesliga surprise package Leipzig.

Brad Jones (Feyenoord)

Another goalkeeper who did not receive much playing time at Anfield, with the highlight of his five years at the club coming in the FA Cup semi-final win over Everton in 2012. Now with Dutch league leaders Feyenoord, the Rotterdam side need a win on the final day to confirm the Eredivisie title – but their spot in the Champions League is assured.

Kolo Toure meets up with former team-mate Luis Suarez

Kolo Toure (Celtic)

A cult hero wherever he goes, the Ivorian moved to Glasgow in the summer to join up with former boss Brendan Rodgers. Celtic have won the league at a canter, and are on the verge of going unbeaten the entire season. His last game for Liverpool was in the Europa League final.

Sebastian Coates (Sporting)

The Uruguayan never found his feet on Merseyside – sensational scissor kick against Queens Park Rangers excepted. After an uneventful three years at Sunderland, he headed to Sporting, and has featured sporadically for the Lisbon club. The Portuguese club are third in their domestic league and could be an opponent in the qualifying round.

Javier Mascherano (Barcelona)

The Argentine is one of Liverpool’s finest midfielders of the Premier League era, and has enjoyed a lot of success at Camp Nou since his move in 2010. Winner of four league titles and two Champions League trophies, Mascherano has been converted into a centre-back, recently scoring his first goal for the club – a penalty against Osasuna.

Nuri Sahin of Borussia Dortmund

Nuri Sahin (Borussia Dortmund)

A star of Jurgen Klopp’s title-winning Dortmund side, the Turkish international spent just six months on loan at Anfield, and was largely played out of position during that time. He has since returned to Westfalenstadion. His chances have been hugely limited this season but his team-mates have assured a top four finish.

Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord)

As club captain, the Liverpool hero could lift the Eredivisie this weekend with a win against Heracles. Utilised in central midfield for the majority of the season, the 36-year-old will be hoping for one last chance in a competition he thrived in for Liverpool.

Ryan Babel (Besiktas)

The Dutch winger once scored a hat trick against Besiktas in the competition, but he could now be lining up for the Turkish side next season. Two points clear of Istanbul Basaksehir with four games remaining, Babel could even pick up a winners’ medal, having made 14 league appearances since his January move.

Mario Balotelli (Nice)

Why always him? The Italian had an awful spell with Liverpool but has reinvigorated his career in Ligue 1 with one of the league’s surprise packages. Guaranteed a top three finish, Balotelli has hit 15 league goals for the first time in his career. He has been linked with a move to Las Palmas in Spain, however.

Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)

The striker has returned to Anfield in Chelsea colours – to a real hostile reception – but a reunion in the colours of Atletico might prove to be a little different. A stunning career turned sour when he moved to Stamford Bridge, but he has regained his smile at his boyhood club.

Luis Suarez (Barcelona)

Remember him? He was alright, wasn’t he? He’s scored 83 league goals in just 95 appearances over three seasons at Camp Nou. His return to Anfield would be some occasion.

Brendan Rodgers (Celtic)

Reunions are not just limited to players. With Celtic in the qualifying round after a runaway Scottish title, Rodgers has not faced off against the Reds since departing in October 2015.